The Baltimore Banner, the news source set to launch mid-year, has announced a “Creatives in Residence” program to help amplify the work of artists and writers from the Baltimore region. The inaugural class includes poets, essayists, designers, bloggers, and experienced journalists, each with a unique perspective and Baltimore experience to inform their reporting and storytelling.

With guidance and support from D. Watkins, a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author from Baltimore, and Kondwani Fidel, Baltimore-based poet and essayist, who NPR called “one of the nation’s smartest young Black voices,” Banner Editor-in-Chief Kimi Yoshino selected this year’s participants because of their deep ties to Baltimore and the authentic and personal stories they hope to tell.

“I’m so humbled to announce this inaugural group of Creatives in Residence — all of whom are tremendously talented and whose work has inspired me to think about our city, the people who live here and how we might better serve them,” said Yoshino. “I’m grateful to D. Watkins, Kondwani Fidel, and so many others for their insight and guidance as we build The Baltimore Banner from the ground up. It is imperative that we provide a platform for the many diverse voices in our community.”

Creatives in residence in future years will be given an opportunity to apply for the program.